Lincoln neighborhoods and communities across the U.S. are experiencing a mass tree decline with the removal of ash trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department analyzed available data and found there are large low to moderate-income residential areas in Northeast and Northwest Lincoln that have been hit hard by EAB. The focus of this event is getting trees into the hands of owner-occupied homes where households may not have the disposable income to purchase a private tree.
To help get trees planted in these high need neighborhoods, Lincoln Parks and Recreation has selected Union Plaza as the site of the 2026 Tree Distribution on Friday, October 2nd starting at 5:30 PM. Trees will be available for pick up by going to the tree event booth located near 21st and P Streets.
The event coincides with the Hub and Soul concert at Union Plaza Amphitheater, 210 N. 21st St.
Trees have been selected because of their suitability to the local climate, and information on selecting, planting, and maintaining your tree will be available.
Read through the following pages for information about available trees, the give-away event, and planting and caring for your tree.
The trees available for the giveaway are locally grown and well-suited for the Eastern Nebraska climate.
Tuliptree
Tuliptree
(Liriodendron tulipifera)
- Flower:
- Height: 70–90 feet
- Width: 35–50 feet
- Sun: Full Sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic; avoid compaction & alkalinity
- Growth Rate: Fast-growing
Tall and elegant, the Tuliptree reaches 70–90 ft and thrives in moist, well‑drained, slightly acidic soils. Its fast growth and pyramidal‑to‑oval form pair with standout tulip-shaped green‑yellow flowers with a tangerine base that attract pollinators. Bright yellow fall color and strong wildlife value make it ideal for parks and large landscapes.
AUTUMN - Bright yellow
Prairie Gold® Quaking Aspen
Prairie Gold® Quaking Aspen
(Populus tremuloides ‘NE Arb’)
- Flower:
- Height: 30–40 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Sun:
- Soil: Tolerant of wide soil range (dry to moist), mesic/dry sites
- Growth Rate: Fast-growing
This disease‑resistant native aspen grows 30–40 ft tall and tolerates a wide range of soils. Fast-growing with a youthful pyramidal form that rounds with age, it forms attractive groves and turns a striking yellow in fall. Its resilience and ecological value make it excellent for erosion control and wildlife habitat.
AUTUMN - Gorgeous yellow
Canada Red Chokecherry
Canada Red Chokecherry
(Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’)
- Flower:
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Sun:
- Soil: Dry to mesic, urban tolerant
- Growth Rate: Fast-growing
A colorful, fast-growing tree reaching 20–30 ft, known for foliage that matures from green to deep maroon-purple. Its spring clusters of fragrant white flowers develop into red-to-purple fruit loved by birds. Hardy in urban and dry/mesic sites, this tree offers ornamental interest and edible (processed) fruit.
SUMMER - Maroon-purple
Dwarf Chinkapin Oak
Dwarf Chinkapin Oak
(Quercus prinoides)
- Flower:
- Height: 10-15 feet
- Width: 10-15 feet
- Sun:
- Soil: Dry to mesic; drought & poor soil tolerant
- Growth Rate: Moderate
A compact native oak (10–15 ft) valued for tolerance to drought and poor soils. It produces sulfur-yellow catkins in spring and golden-orange fall foliage. Remarkably, it begins producing acorns at only three to four years old, with reliable annual crops favored by wildlife. Works well in habitat plantings and windbreaks.
AUTUMN - Golden-orange
Shumard Oak
Shumard Oak
(Quercus shumardii)
- Flower:
- Height: 60-80 feet
- Width: 40-60 feet
- Sun:
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soils, natural along streams/swamps
- Growth Rate: Fast-growing
A large 60–80 ft oak found naturally in moist, well‑drained settings near streams. It grows quickly, transitioning from a pyramidal to rounded form. Its deeply cut, glossy leaves turn russet-red in fall. Excellent for shade and wildlife, this oak is a strong, adaptable landscape choice.
AUTUMN - Russet-red
Princeton American Elm
Princeton American Elm
(Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’)
- Flower:
- Height: 60–80 feet
- Width: 30–40 feet
- Sun:
- Soil: Tolerates wet & dry, various soils including urban, sandy
- Growth Rate: Vigorous
A vigorous, resilient elm reaching 60–80 ft, famous for its upright form with arching branches and excellent shade. It tolerates many soil and moisture conditions and is highly resistant to Dutch elm disease and elm leaf beetle. A true American elm with proven longevity, ideal for urban and street plantings.
AUTUMN - Yellow
Step 1. Show up!
Tree giveaway starts at 5:30 PM and lasts until trees are gone. The booth will have volunteers and staff available to answer questions and help suggest the best tree for the space.
Step 3. Pick out your tree!
Chat with knowledgeable tree people to determine the best tree for your home. Once a species of tree is selected, volunteers will give you an information sheet on your new tree and a ticket to reserve your tree. Enjoy the concert. Take a stroll through the park, check out the food, and explore the event. As long as you have the ticket, you have a tree.
Step 4. Pick up your tree!
Trees will be available for pick up near 21st and P Street.
NOTE: Trees will come in a 3-gallon grow bag and will be approximately 5-6 feet tall. Please plan your drive home accordingly.
Step 5. Call before you dig!
Before planting your tree, you must file a locate request to ensure that your tree is planted in a safe spot (free of any buried utilities) on your private property. To file a location request online visit ne1call.com or dial 811.
www.ne1call.com 811
Step 6. Plant your tree!
Your tree is ready to plant after you receive a cleared ticket from 811. Trees should be planted within a few days after receiving your 811 clear ticket. Follow the guide for the best tree location that you received with your tree. Trees can be planted in the Fall until mid-November before the soil freezes. Please monitor the weather and soil forecast to ensure the survival of the new tree.
Water your tree daily and monitor the weather.